Meet Hometown Hero, Clarissa Gardner

Each month, Depot Bar & Grill randomly selects a member of our community as a Hometown Heroe. They could be teachers, police officers, EMS, janitors, volunteers, community advocates or others who help to make where we live, work and play a better place to be.

This month, we’re celebrating Clarissa Gardner! Clarissa serves as both the director of the UT Extension After-school Program and the executive director of her own nonprofit, Cho-Zen, which helps youth in our area reach their full potential through incredible experiences.

Get to her know a bit more below!

How long have you been at this position? What did you do prior?

I've been the Director of the UT Extension Afterschool Program for 5 years. Before my director role, I was an RTI teacher at Springfield Middle School for 3 years and Youth Director at Beards Chapel Missionary Baptist Church for 6 years.

What lead you to do this job?

My friend Amy Jernigan suggested that I join the afterschool team. I joined the team as a substitute, and the following year I became director. Now, I'm also the Executive Director for a nonprofit that was created to serve youth beyond school hours.

Who are some important people in your life?

I'm the daughter of Deborah Ellis and the late Lonnie Washington. I’m also the proud mother of Ky'Asia Gardner, Ky'Marieon Gardner, and bonus son LaDaverick Suggs Jr., and any other role I need to play to the youth I get to mentor.

Outside of work, what are some of your favorite things to do?
Outside of work, some of my favorite things to do are spending time with my family, enjoying a good movie, and shopping.

What is your favorite thing about your job?

My favorite thing about my job is the ability to serve and build authentic relationships with my scholars, teachers, and families that God has allowed to be a part of my life at that appointed time.

Meet Hometown Hero, Houston Evans

Each month, Depot Bar & Grill randomly selects a few of our Hometown Heroes. They could be teachers, police officers, EMS, janitors, volunteers, community advocates or others who help to make where we live, work and play a better place to be. This month, we recognize and celebrate Sergeant Houston Evans, a police officer in Springfield, Tennessee! Get to know him a bit better below.

How long have you been with the Springfield Police Department?

I started with the Springfield PD in August 2014 and have been a sergeant since the spring of 2019. Before that, I was a Narcotics Detective for two years, and
before that I worked as a patrol officer.

What lead you to this job?

I have wanted to be a police officer since I was in kindergarten. My parents even still have a drawing I made; I was asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, and I wrote “I am to be a police officer.” I have always wanted to serve my community in some form.

Who are some important people in your life?

I am married to my wife, Sarah, and we have three daughters: Addison, Kennedy and Reagan. I also have two dogs, Mack and Molly.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

I love spending time with my family, playing video games and reading books about history.

What is your favorite part about what you do?

I love meeting new people and keeping my community safe.

Meet Hometown Hero, Greenbrier Teacher, Donte' D'allen Demonbreum

Each month, Depot Bar & Grill randomly selects a few of our Hometown Heroes. They could be teachers, police officers, EMS, janitors, volunteers, community advocates or others who help to make where we live, work and play a better place to be. This month, we celebrate Donte’ Demonbreum, a teacher working in Greenbrier, Tennessee. Learn more about Donte’ and his important work as a teacher below.

Why did you choose teaching as a profession?

I’ve always loved learning. I recall being in elementary school, and after coming home from school, I would set up the bedroom as if it were a classroom so I could continue to be in school. There no place else I’d rather be, inspiring and encouraging the next generation of great thinkers.

What subjects do you teach, and which school do you teach at?

I currently teach freshman English at Greenbrier High School.

What is your hope for the career path of teaching in the future?

I absolutely love what I’m doing, and I just hope to continue to inspire students to be their best selves while shooting for the stars. I always tell my students that if they put forth the work, they can achieve anything.

During an annual review, a county mentor teacher observed my class, and asked a student what they liked or disliked about Donte as a teacher. On student quickly replied, “he’s spicy!”

I still don’t know if that’s a like or dislike about my teaching, butI’m going to continue being my spicy, authentic self for my students.